Ebonyi Police Deny Alleged ₦700,000 Payment for Release of Suspects

The Ebonyi State Police Command has denied allegations that the Commissioner of Police ordered the collection of ₦700,000 from six families for the release of their sons who were allegedly arrested over a land dispute.

The allegation was contained in a social media post by one Mr. Justice Ozobi, which claimed that the families were required to make the payment following the arrest of their relatives allegedly ordered by a traditional ruler in the state.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the Command described the allegation as “false, unfounded, and without basis.”

The Command said it initially considered ignoring the publication but decided to respond to prevent members of the public from being misled.

It also criticised the post for what it described as “typographical errors, incoherent assertions, and a glaring lack of factual accuracy,” noting that the photograph used in the publication was that of a long-retired former Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State.

The police further clarified that the Command does not handle land disputes, stressing that any attempt to link the Commissioner or the Command to the alleged collection of money in connection with a land-related matter was baseless.

According to the statement, the allegation was “grave and malicious,” and was calculated to damage the reputation of the Commissioner of Police and distract the Command from its security responsibilities across the state.

The Command, however, said it remained committed to professionalism, accountability and transparency, adding that credible allegations of misconduct against police officers would be investigated on their merits.

The police challenged Ozobi to produce the evidence he claimed to possess in support of the allegation.

“Accordingly, the Command challenges Mr. Justice Ozobi to produce the evidence which he based his allegation, as he claimed in his post,” the statement said.

The Command also urged members of the public to exercise restraint and responsibility when sharing information on social media.

It warned that individuals who deliberately circulate false or defamatory information capable of misleading the public could face legal action in accordance with the law.

The Ebonyi Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state while upholding accountability, transparency and professional policing.